Tropical Cyclone Idai made a landfall on 14th March, 2019 which immensely affected Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. The Eastern Provinces of Zimbabwe which experienced torrential rainfall caused extensive destruction of properties and infrastructures as well as loss of lives. High winds combined with heavy rainfall affected about 90,000 people from districts of Chimanimani, Chipinge, Nyanga, Buhera, Mutare Rural, Masvingo, Makoni, Gutu and Bikita which caused riverine and flash flooding as well as landslides which caused significant loss of life, injury and displacement. Significant damages were recorded such as impassable roads, bridge, water network systems, houses, power and communication network among others causing displacement, lack of basic needs and loss of civil documentation. Many people were displaced and temporarily sheltered in schools, churches, hotels among others. According to the government reports at least 299 deaths and 186 injuries were recorded, and 329 people were missing as of 3 April. Women and children were among the vulnerable groups at risk that needed relief and recovery support.
UNHCR joined the UN system response that activated its internal level 3 emergency so as to support the delivery of its commitments under the IASC Approach while leading the Protection Cluster. In Zimbabwe, the rapid inter-agency assessment was conducted in Chipinge and Chimanimani, the most affected districts of Manicaland province indicated that 270,000 people estimated were affected. Multiple assessments were conducted by humanitarian partners covering all the affected areas and identifying the needs.
In Tongogara Refugee Camp about 1060 shelters and 618 latrines were partially or totally damaged affecting 5,300 refugees and asylum seekers. Thus the urgent need to respond to WASH, Public Health, Shelter, and Protection among other needs of the people affected by Cylone Idai in Zimbabwe.